Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-07-28

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

The first table below shows changes in the total population of New York City from 1800 to 2000. The second and third tables show changes in the population of the five districts of the city (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island) over the same period.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Student answer (Band 6.0)

The table chart delineates the fluctuation in the population of New York City; meanwhile, the second and third graphs reveal the information about changes in the population of five districts from the year 1800 to 2000.

Overall, it is quite clear that, as time passes the population had increased in number. Whereas ratio of Manhattan had declined over time but, population had rose. Other district's percentage has escalated over the period of time with number of population.

As per the first table chart, all five districts residents were only 79,216 in the year 1800. Which was grown up to 3,437,202 in 19th century. In following year, its increased 5th fold from previous year at 8,009,185.

Manhattan had 76% of total residents in the year 1800, which were declined and reached 54% in following century(1900). However, the population were rose in consequent year from 60,515 to 1,850,093 in the year 1800 and 1900 respectively. Nevertheless, in the year 2000 it declined to almost 300,000 people. Other districts civilians were increased in population as well as in the total ration. In initial years it was at 18,701 and 24% but the significant growth had occurred in the year 2000 and reached 6,471,089 and 81% in population and in total percentage.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers the main features of the data, but there are significant inaccuracies in the interpretation of the figures. For example, you state that Manhattan's population declined to 300,000 in 2000, which contradicts the provided data. Additionally, the description of the 'other districts' is confusing, as you conflate population numbers with percentages. While you identify the overall trend of growth, the lack of precision in reporting the data points prevents a higher score. To improve, ensure that you carefully cross-reference the figures in the tables with your written statements to avoid factual errors.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is sometimes mechanical or misused, such as 'In following year' and 'In initial years'. The logical progression between sentences is occasionally hindered by awkward phrasing, making it difficult to follow the comparison between the districts. While there is an attempt at an overview, the transition between the general trend and the specific data points lacks fluidity. Improving the variety and accuracy of linking words would significantly enhance the flow of your writing.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'delineates', 'fluctuation', and 'escalated'. However, there are noticeable errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'total ration' instead of 'total ratio', and 'civilians' to describe residents. Some phrasing is repetitive, and the misuse of terms like '5th fold' (instead of 'fivefold') indicates a need for more precise control over academic vocabulary. To reach a higher band, focus on using words that are appropriate for describing statistical data and ensure that your collocations are natural.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include 'population had rose' (should be 'had risen'), 'its increased' (should be 'it increased'), and 'the population were rose'. Subject-verb agreement and tense consistency are problematic throughout the text. While the meaning is generally understandable, the high frequency of errors in basic grammar prevents the response from reaching a higher band. Focusing on verb forms and consistent tense usage will help improve your accuracy.

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.